The interaction of proteins with biological membranes is a key factor in their biogenesis and proper function. Hence, unraveling the properties of this interaction is very important and constitutes an essential step in deciphering the structural and functional characteristics of a membrane protein. Here we describe the use of cardiolipin-containing liposomes to analyze the interaction of the import protein Tim44 with the inner mitochondrial membrane. Using this system we showed that Tim44 is peripherally attached to the membrane and we detected the membrane binding site of the protein. The cardiolipin-containing liposomes serve as an excellent in vitro model system to the inner mitochondrial membrane and thus provide a good tool to analyze the interaction of various mitochondrial proteins with the inner membrane.
